The ports of Seattle, Tacoma and Metro Vancouver are to reduce diesel particulate matter (DPM) by 75% and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by 10% per ton of cargo by 2015 according to the latest Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy.
2005 levels will be used as a baseline and a further reduction of DPN per ton of cargo will take place by 2020 – by 80% and GHGs by 15%.
The ports will cut emissions from ocean-going vessels, harbour vessels, cargo-handling equipment, trucks, locomotives and rail transport and port administration.
The strategy update covers ocean-going vessels, harbour vessels, cargo-handling equipment, trucks, locomotives and rail transport and port administration.
The draft strategy says one way the ports will meet their goals is by carrying out pilot studies and demonstration projects to reduce emissions from each sector.
The Strategy acknowledges that its success relies on significant contributions from port tenants, customers and other stakeholders who manage port activities and equipment that produce air emissions, as well as regional transportation agencies that can influence freight movement.
The ports will update their air emissions inventories every five years and analyse progress made towards the emission reduction goals.
The strategy update will encourage vessel owners and operators to participate in green certification programmes and to reduce emissions. The ports say they are committed to helping ships surpass the ECA standards for lower-sulphur fuels, with specific emphasis on hotelling operations.
The ports will track and report annually on the number of vessels using Tier 3 marine engines, shore power, cleaner fuels and other emission-reduction technologies.
The three ports combined receive more than 5,000 calls annually from nearly 2,000 unique vessels.
